5 Tips to take care of your mental health in isolation

 

During these challenging times, it's just as important to take care of your mental health as it is to look after your physical health. For those who are isolating, or simply distancing from others, this can be challenging. It's understandable. But there are a few things you can do to boost your mood and maintain your wellbeing.

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1. Don't cut yourself off

Just because you can't spend time with your loved ones, doesn't mean that you're alone. Keeping in touch helps to boost oxytocin levels, so schedule some Facetime with your nearest and dearest.

2. Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Healthy eating and exercise can also boost your mood. Try to stay active and hydrated, and spend time in the sunshine if possible.

3. Smile!

The simple act of smiling can boost mood-improving neurotransmitters, increasing levels of serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine. Even better if you smile at somebody else and they smile back.

4. Download a meditation app

Meditation can be incredible for boosting your mood, and as an added bonus it also helps to strengthen the immune system!

5. Recovery breathing

Set aside 10 minutes per day for recovery breathing to keep your cortisol levels at bay. Breath in through the nose and out through the mouth with a steady count. A longer out breath helps to dispel excess co2, which also helps to reduce excess cortisol. 

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